Chapter 239

Evelyn's doubts lingered like shadows at dusk. Yet when Seraphina voiced them aloud, Evelyn's temper flared crimson. Her jaw tightened as she snapped, "Regardless, I'm the one by his side now. That alone proves my victory."

Seraphina's response came with eerie composure. "I remember Liam has a wife. Yet you inserted yourself between them and stole him away. If such actions were possible for you, why not for me? When you shattered their marriage vows, did his wedding ring give you pause?"

"You!" Rage propelled Evelyn's hand forward, but Donovan's bodyguard intercepted the strike mid-air.

Watching Evelyn's fury, Seraphina coolly instructed her guards, "Miss Hartley appears distressed. She requires rest."

As the guards escorted her away, Evelyn fought against the humiliation. Her once-perfect curls tumbled loose, her designer gown wrinkled beyond recognition. The weight of spectators' gazes burned her skin with shame and fury. Never had she endured such public disgrace.

Natalie observed from nearby, lips curling in sardonic amusement. She'd never anticipated seeing Evelyn so thoroughly humiliated. No one would fault Seraphina for pursuing Liam - the handsome, powerful CEO attracted admirers like moths to flame. Moreover, the Kensington name carried far more prestige than the Hartleys.

The injustices Olivia had suffered were now revisiting Evelyn in twisted reflection - poetic justice indeed. Yet thoughts of the missing Olivia brought stinging tears to Natalie's eyes. Two weeks had passed without word of the pregnant woman's whereabouts. The helplessness gnawed at Natalie's composure.

Evelyn's choked sobs filled the air briefly before intervention came.

"What's happening here?" Donovan arrived with his entourage, immediately sensing the tension. His expression darkened like storm clouds. The bodyguards released Evelyn only when they registered Donovan's displeasure.

Rubbing her reddened wrist, Evelyn shot Seraphina a venomous glare. Seraphina, meeting Donovan's disapproving look, felt momentary guilt but stood her ground. "Donovan, you placed me in charge here. Everyone witnessed her attempt to strike me. I showed restraint by not having such ill-mannered guests removed immediately."

Evelyn gaped at Seraphina's distorted account. She turned desperately to Donovan. "Mr. Kensington, she provoked me first about my relationship with Liam—"

"Miss Hartley." Donovan cut her off sharply. While not defending Seraphina, he remained acutely aware of their audience and the gossip this could spawn.

Forcing a diplomatic smile, Donovan shifted topics. "Thank you for attending my grandfather's celebration. You haven't greeted him yet, have you? He mentioned remembering you fondly from previous meetings. Would you accompany me? Your presence would mean much - familiar faces aid his memory during recovery."

Evelyn's mood brightened instantly. "He truly remembers me? And favorably?"

"Indeed." Donovan nodded. "Would you join me?"

"Certainly," Evelyn replied, confidence restored.